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Bake a Pumpkin Sheet Cake!

Bake a Pumpkin Sheet Cake!
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Bake a moist pumpkin sheet cake with adult supervision, practicing measuring, mixing, oven safety, then frost and decorate while learning baking science.

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Step-by-step guide to bake a pumpkin sheet cake

What you need
9x13-inch baking pan, adult supervision required, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, canned pumpkin puree, cooling rack, cream cheese softened, eggs, granulated sugar, measuring cups, measuring spoons, milk, mixing bowls, oven mitts, parchment paper or nonstick spray, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, spatula, sprinkles for decorating, toothpick, unsalted butter softened, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, whisk or hand mixer

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Line the 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick spray.

Step 3

In a medium bowl whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.

Step 4

In a large bowl add 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 can 15-ounce pumpkin puree 3 large eggs 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Step 5

Whisk the wet ingredients in the large bowl until the mixture is smooth and even.

Step 6

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep the cake tender.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.

Step 8

Bake the cake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 9

Put on oven mitts and carefully remove the pan from the oven.

Step 10

Place the hot pan on a cooling rack to cool.

Step 11

Let the cake cool completely on the rack for at least 45 minutes before frosting.

Step 12

Measure into a bowl 8 ounces softened cream cheese 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter 3 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk.

Step 13

Beat the frosting ingredients until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Step 14

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and decorate with sprinkles or your favorite designs.

Step 15

Share a photo and story of your finished pumpkin sheet cake on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use if I don't have parchment paper or nonstick spray to prepare the 9x13 pan?

Grease the 9x13 pan with butter or shortening and dust it with flour, or line it with lightly greased aluminum foil before pouring the batter.

My cake came out dense or didn't rise—what might have gone wrong and how do I fix it?

Check that your baking soda and baking powder are fresh, avoid overmixing when folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, and confirm your oven is accurately set to 350°F so it bakes 25–30 minutes until a toothpick has a few moist crumbs.

How can I adapt the recipe for different ages so it's safe and fun?

For preschoolers let them whisk the wet ingredients and add sprinkles while an adult handles oven steps, school-age kids can measure and fold the dry ingredients with supervision, and teens can follow the full recipe including preheating, baking, and making the frosting.

How can we enhance or personalize the pumpkin sheet cake beyond the basic recipe?

Stir 1/2 cup chopped pecans or chocolate chips into the batter before pouring, or swirl some of the cream cheese frosting through the batter for marbling and finish by decorating with cinnamon or themed sprinkles after spreading the frosting.

Watch videos on how to bake a pumpkin sheet cake

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The BEST ever PUMPKIN SHEET CAKE with cinnamon cream cheese frosting

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Facts about baking for kids

🧪 Baking is chemistry: baking powder creates carbon dioxide when wet and heated, which makes cake rise.

🔥 Home ovens can be off by 10–20°F (5–10°C), so an oven thermometer helps you bake more reliably.

🥄 How you measure flour matters: spooning into a cup versus scooping can change the amount by up to ~20% and affect cake texture.

🎃 Pumpkins are technically a fruit (a type of squash) and are native to North America.

🍰 Sheet cakes are baked in wide, shallow pans so they cook faster and are great for feeding a crowd.

How do you bake a pumpkin sheet cake with a child?

To bake a pumpkin sheet cake with a child, preheat the oven to the recipe temperature and line a sheet pan. Have the child measure dry and wet ingredients, mix wet separately from dry, then combine until just blended. Pour batter into the pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool fully before frosting; let the child spread frosting and decorate. Always supervise when using knives, mixers, and the oven and explain baking steps and science as you go.

What materials do I need to bake a pumpkin sheet cake?

You'll need canned pumpkin puree, all-purpose flour, sugar (granulated or brown), eggs, oil or melted butter, baking powder or soda, salt, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. For frosting: cream cheese and butter with powdered sugar or store-bought frosting. Tools: measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, whisk or electric mixer, rubber spatula, sheet pan, parchment paper, oven mitts, cooling rack, toothpicks, and decorating items like sprinkles or chopped nuts.

What ages is baking a pumpkin sheet cake suitable for?

Suitable ages depend on skill and supervision. Toddlers (2–4) can help pour pre-measured ingredients and stir with help. Preschoolers (4–6) can measure with assistance and press decorations. Elementary kids (7–10) can follow a recipe, measure independently, and use a hand mixer with supervision. Tweens and teens can lead most steps but should never operate the oven unsupervised; adults should handle hot pans and sharp tools. Adjust tasks to the child's ability.

What are the benefits of baking a pumpkin sheet cake with my child?

Benefits include teaching math (measuring, fractions), reading and following instructions, and science concepts like leavening and temperature effects. It builds fine motor skills through stirring and decorating and provides sensory learning from smells, textures, and tastes. Decorating boosts creativity and confidence while teamwork and patience build social skills and self-esteem. You can also discuss ingredient reactions during baking and try healthier swaps like whole-grain flour or reduced
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Bake a Pumpkin Sheet Cake. Activities for Kids.